Templeton

The president, Mrs. Mair Davies, welcomed members to the first meeting after the summer break. The speaker, Mrs. Kay Phillips, gave a very interesting talk on the hobby of collecting. During her talk, Mrs. Phillips completed a floral arrangement which she donated as a raffle prize. Mrs. Mair Davies and Mrs. Sylvia Watkins were winners of the raffle. In addition, this month's competition was won by Mrs. Joan Sullivan. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 2, at 2 pm, in the Village Hall. Templeton WI is always delighted to welcome new members.

Ludchurch

The September meeting was held at Blackmoor Farm, Ludchurch. President, Bea Jones welcomed members back after the summer break, with a special welcome to Mabel Roch. Following the reading of the minutes of the last meeting, congratulations were given to the Ludchurch team who came first in the Treasure Hunt. There was a report on the summer trip to St. David's Cathedral, enjoyed by all who took part. Thanks were given to social secretary Sue Pike, who organised the event. The Kingsmoor Group meeting in October at the Regency Hall Saundersfoot, will be hosted by Ludchurch WI members. Arrangements for this event were discussed and tasks allocated. The speaker for the evening was Miss Laura Jones, of Ludchurch, daughter of the president. Laura had taken up the challenges of a sponsored trek across Iceland this summer with the network 'Open Challenges', in order to raise funds for 'Breaks for Kids' for disadvantaged children, and the Youth Hostel movement. A group of 18 people, including a guide and doctor, within an age group of 25 to 64 years, trekked many miles over the barren plains, glaciers and snowy mountains, forded rivers and slept in tents and bathed in the hot springs of Iceland, and said Laura, "It was a great experience." There were many beautiful photographs of the journey which were displayed on Laura's lap-top computer, for all to see, and she was warmly thanked for her very interesting and well presented talk by Jill Smith, who also thanked Laura for stepping in at short notice. The hostesses for the evening were Kathleen Phillips and Fiona Grey. The raffle prizes were won by Maggie Evans and Ann Fraser. The next meeting will be on Friday, October 5, and will be held at Tavernspite Village Hall.

Redberth and District   Members (and some husbands) visited Peter Thomas's museum in Thomas Chapel for their September meeting. Time passed quickly, with everyone reminiscing over many of the items on show. From tractors, prams, pushchairs, war memorabilia, engines, household items, farming machinery and tools, old ledgers etc, all had a tale to tell. Peter could tell members what any item was used for, and where he got them. Ann thanked Peter for an enjoyable evening. The group then returned to School House, Redberth, to hold their business meeting. The minutes were read and the county letter was discussed. Ann and Daphne were interested in attending the gardening course. Jennie gave a report of her trip to the annual general meeting  held in London in June; obviously a good meeting, with interesting speakers. Next month's speaker will be Pauline Griffiths talking about Narberth Museum. Hostess will be Jennie and a vote of thanks will be given by Janthia. Competition is for something green.

 Summerhill

The September meeting incorporated the Harvest Festival, with president Marlene welcoming everyone back after the summer break. A special welcome was extended to Amroth WI and several guests who had joined members for the celebrations. Before continuing, a minute's silence was held in memory of Margaret Kemble, a longstanding and committed member, who had recently passed away. The Harvest Festival commenced with the singing of 'Come ye faithful people came,' before Joyce took to the floor to begin the auction. There was a wonderful array of produce displayed which was very ably put under the hammer. Many thanks to Joyce for once again doing an excellent job. Following the very successful auction, members and guests enjoyed a lovely Harvest Supper, supplied by Wisemans Bridge Inn, with cakes provided by the committee. The raffle, which was for a large fruit cake, was won by Maureen. A short meeting was then held, with apologies received and a birthday posy given to Joyce. Members were saddened to hear that Jay Bourne, a previous member and past president, had died. Sympathy was also extended to Thelma on the loss of her brother-in-law. Congratulations were given to Winifred and Wendy on their craft successes at various shows and also to Sheila J and Marilyn, one of the Amroth WI guests, on both having photos in the 2008 calendar. Linda was also congratulated on her 30th wedding anniversary. Next month there will be a competition which will consist of a miniature floral display of no more than six inches in diameter. Nominations for committee are required in writing by next month for any member unable to attend in person. The birthday dinner this year will take place at the Cartwheel Restaurant, on Thursday, October 11. There was no further business and the meeting closed. The next meeting will take place on Monday, October 8, at 7 pm, when the speaker will be Melvyn Grey, whose subject will be 'A Camping Safari'. Hostesses will be Sheila J, Joyce and Linnia.

Narberth

President Rosemary Landragin welcomed members to the September meeting at the Rugby Club. Greetings were extended to one new member and three visitors. Members were delighted to welcome back Mavis Murrell and Jean Morgan who had been absent due to illness. The August outing to Aberglasney and Dynefor Park had been greatly enjoyed. An excellent meal at the Ivy Bush Hotel, Carmarthen, ended a very good day. Members were reminded of the Global Warming Evening at the Bloomfield Centre on September 27 and a meeting to discuss next year's Eve of Conference entertainment, on September 25 at WI House. Several members expressed interest in the social afternoons to be held in Williams Court, beginning September 20. Members of the walking group are joining the Narberth 'Steps to Health' walks on Wednesday mornings. These are very enjoyable hour-long walks within easy reach of Narberth. Following the reading of the County Letter, the speaker, Linda Parker from Mathry WI, gave an entertaining talk on PAT (Pets as Therapy). Linda was accompanied by her dog Bella who, over the years, has brought stimulation and comfort to residents of residential and nursing homes in North Pembrokeshire. Bella is now retired, but obviously enjoyed the attention she received from WI members. The raffle was won by Julie Thomas. In the absence, on holiday, of Sylvia and her team, the tea hostesses were Joan Irving and Joan Spacey. Josie Sexton and Jane Gant managed the table-top sale. Would members who have ideas for next year's programme, please contact Meg Turner, Ann Phillips or Jean Dorras. The next meeting is on Thursday, October 4, at 2 pm, at the Rugby Club. Visitors are always welcome.

Kilgetty

President, Doreen Campbell, welcomed everyone to the September meeting. Apologies from Val Jenkins, Kath Breen, Audrey Hilling and Mildred James were received and Peggy Williams was thanked for the lovely plant for the top table. Birthday wishes were given to Doreen Phillips. Peggy Williams's brother and Val Jenkins's husband had again been in hospital. Congratulations were extended to Eileen Phillips and her granddaughter, Bethan, who had won classes for preserves and cookery at the Martletwy Show. Also to Peggy Williams who has a photograph in the 2008 WI Calendar. The minutes of the July meeting were read and signed. Dates were noted in the County Letter and interest shown in the Textile Treasures Outing and the Annual Council Meeting. Thanks were given to everyone who had helped and donated prizes for the Human Fruit Machine Stall at the Kilgetty Fun Day. The speaker for the evening was Mr. Melvyn Grey, who, along with his wife, had travelled from Newcastle Emlyn to be with them. Mr. Grey worked as a freelance photographer in London's advertising world for over 30 years, but now that he has retired gives illustrated talks on wildlife photography - his subject for the evening being 'Beyond the Arctic Circle - birds, flowers and landscapes of Scandinavia'. He had visited this area on two occasions and took members with him on a wonderful photographic journey through, at times, rather barren and snow- covered countryside where he encountered numerous species of very unusual birds and plants. Mrs. Grey had a variety of cards for sale. A vote of thanks was given by the president. The competition was won by Eileen Phillips and raffle prize winners were Jules Floyd and Doreen Campbell. The next meeting will be on October 9 when the speaker will be Rev. Michael John talking on his Chaplaincy at Gartree Prison. The competition will be for a miniature flower arrangement six inches in diameter overall.

St Issell's

President, Mary Lawrence, welcomed members of St. Issell's WI to the September meeting, hoping that everyone had enjoyed the summer break. She also gave a special welcome to 15 members from Milford Haven WI who were joining members for the harvest supper. Following the singing of Jerusalem, Mary thanked Madge Wills for the flowers for the top table, and birthday wishes for September went to Eva Rich, Gwyneth Jenkins, Madge Wills and Shelagh Griffin. Mary was pleased to report that Jean Moores was home from hospital and making good progress following her recent operation, and Mary Cavell was sent good wishes for her forthcoming treatment and everyone looked forward to seeing her in November. Congratulations were also extended to Jean Roberts on the birth of a grandson, and to Eileen Plester and Val John on the arrival of new granddaughters. Four members, Joan Parry, Madelene Brace, Gwyneth Jenkins and Eva Rich, had won prizes in the Saundersfoot in Bloom competitions, as had Saundersfoot School, who were assisted by Joy Nixon and Shelagh Griffin, Secretary, Jean Roberts, read the record of the July meeting, and Joy Nixon gave the financial report. The county letter was read and relevant dates noted. Everyone then enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by St. Issell's committee members, followed by two short quizzes, the winners being Mary Howells's team. A game of ball bingo proved very entertaining, a visitor from Milford Haven being the winner. There were numerous raffle prizes, mostly won by St. Issell's members, and the competition for an unusual vegetable was won by Mary Lawrence. The evening concluded with the singing of some harvest hymns. Rhona Davies, the president of Milford Haven WI, thanked St. Issell's for a very enjoyable evening and Val John added sincere thanks to the committee for the excellent meal. The next meeting is on Thursday, October 11, and new members are always welcome.

Llanddewi Velfrey

Members met in the newly-decorated Village Hall for the first time after the summer break. Following the reading of the minutes, money was taken for 2008 calendars and from those wishing to join the 100-plus club. Two members will be taking part in the walking weekend in the Elan Valley. Arrangements were made to serve tea in the hall after the county walk on September 29. The speaker for the afternoon was Mr. Snellgrove with an interesting talk on the Suffragette movement. He was warmly thanked by Marion Capes. The competition for a holiday souvenir was won by Sadie Morgan, the raffles by Nancy Eynon and Sadie Morgan and tea was served by Mo Gamble. The next meeting on October 3, at 2 pm, in the Village Hall, will contain a talk on Africa by Geraldine Leach. New members will be made most welcome.

St. Florence

St. Florence Women's Institute met at the Village Hall for the September meeting and were welcomed back by president Mary Evans after the summer break. Anthea Nixon was congratulated on the birth of a granddaughter. Sympathy was expressed to Morfydd Bowen on the loss of her aunt. The WI members, along with Luncheon Club and friends enjoyed the coach trip to Aberystwyth in August to see the show West Side Story. Thanks go to president Mary for organising the trip. The Welsh Tea held in the Village Hall was an an enjoyable occasion. A donation has been sent to County Federation, Haverfordwest. Anthea and Morfydd were thanked for stewarding at the Royal Welsh Show. Rachel Hughes gave the Dinbych Group news. Speaker for the afternoon was Mr. Vernon Scott, who reported for the Western Telegraph for 30 years, retiring in 1995. He now writes for 'Pembrokeshire Life'. Mr. Scott reminisced about meeting the Queen, on her visit to Pembroke Dock, and famous film stars, about dances held at the De Valence and about the 'Olden Days'. Rachel gave the vote of thanks. Lesley and Andrea served the tea, and Anita won the raffle. The next meeting, on Monday, October 8, will be a wine-tasting afternoon with Mr. Roy Roberts, and is an open meeting.

Penally

In the absence of the president, Iris Davies, the vice-president, Valerie Cochlin, welcomed members to the September meeting. The minutes of the last meeting were read and the Federation Newsletter. Some members would be attending the Global Warming evening on September 27. Some members would also be going to see the Textile Treasures in Cardiff on November 3. The speaker for the afternoon was the artist, George Lewis. Mr. Lewis gave a very comprehensive account of how one goes about painting in oils, having brought with him all the necessary equipment. At the end he demonstrated the effectiveness of the medium by painting two pictures to everyone's enjoyment. The first one was a human face and the second one was a landscape. A warm vote of thanks was given by Audrey Morris. The winner of the competition for a small picture was Phyllis Barnbrook and Valerie Cochlin won the raffle prize. The next meeting will be at 2.15 pm on October 9 in the Village Hall.

Carew

President Carol Cole welcomed everyone back after the summer break. After singing Jerusalem, the minutes of the last meeting were read and signed. The newsletter was then read and discussed. Happy birthday to Betty Ansell for October. Carol asked everyone for suggestions for the meetings for next year. All enjoyed a cup of tea provided by Milton B ladies. Marina James was winner of the raffle. As the speaker was unable to attend, Carol arranged a quiz, with everyone having to try to remember their childhood days. Winners were: 1. Lower Whitehill; 2. Carew and Sageston; 3. Milton B.